The knife glinted again under the light as Jin Zhou crouched before Bai Zhi. He didn't rush; cruelty in his hands was an art that demanded patience.
"Let's make sure your lover remembers this face every time he closes his eyes," he said softly, as though sharing a private joke. His gloved fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze despite the tremble in her jaw.
Bai Zhi tried to twist away, but the guard behind her pressed a forearm to her throat, pinning her in place. Her muffled cries scraped against the walls.
The first press of the blade dug deeper this time, cutting from just below her cheekbone toward the corner of her mouth. Hot blood welled instantly, running in a thin rivulet over her lips.
Shen Xiao strained against the ropes, the fibers tearing into his skin. "Enough!" His words were cut off by a brutal kick to the side of his head, sending him sprawling onto the cold floor.
